The influence of extracellular magnesium on cell damage induced by ATP depletion in human fibroblasts

Abstract

Magnesium is an essential ion for the structural and functional integrity of cells. We have examined whether a low extracellular magnesium concentration contributes to cell damage induced by ATP depletion in a model system of quiescent fibroblasts. Cell damage assessed by the release of lactate dehydrogenase was slightly, but significantly increased in the absence of Mg²⁺. The increased cell damage may be caused by an increased Mg²⁺ loss during ATP depletion, by an altered cell membrane permeability for potassium and sodium, or by a disturbed balance between Mg²⁺ and Ca²⁺.

Key words:

• ATP depletion
• A23187
• cell damage
• enzyme release
• fibroblasts
• magnesium
• metabolic inhibition